How to get rid of Blackberry Vines?

[steve...]

I am purchasing a lot next door that was covered with blackberry vines. The previous owners cut them down but left all the vines on the ground. There are lots of new shoots sprouting up in a 30' x 90' area.

From my research, I think I can keep mowing the new shoots and eventually they will die off. I can also us Roundup on the new shoots but some people say NO. I am also wondering about covering newly mowed sections with a heavy black plastic to kill everything.

Anyone have a good solution?

[Black]

I have been desparately trying to get blackberries to grow for several years.... send 'em all to me.

[nwyaker]

Goats !
http://www.rentaruminant.com

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/R...240623.php

[Pam]

Ha! I told my mom to get goats to get rid of hers Ultimately I found a guy who for a very reasonable price dug them up. Well, partially. The roots were so big that he tied them to his truck and pulled them out.

[Racer X]

nwyaker wrote:
Goats !
http://www.rentaruminant.com

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/R...240623.php

darn right! Our state DOT even rents them, and uses herds to clear off hills along roads. Fun to drive by a herd of goats happily munching away.

My neighbor had 2 for a while, and they stripped his back yard clean. Those could reduce your old Christmas tree to a nub in about 2 days, above and beyond their regular diet.

[Paul F.]

Steve... You should know, having lived around here a long time. The only ways to get rid of blackberries are Fire and Blood!

[freeradical]

Plant some Kudzu...

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Black wrote:
I have been desparately trying to get blackberries to grow for several years.... send 'em all to me.

No kidding! Every year I look forward to June because that is when the blackberries at my friend's house ripen. Nothing like fresh blackberries on top of vanilla ice cream... or right off the vine, for that matter.

[Kate]

I agree, our goats cleared EVERYTHING!

Kate

[J Marston]

A friend with a truly organic garden swears that vinegar--which she buys in 5 gallon jugs--is as effective as roundup. You could also think of it as a salad dressing that the goats might enjoy.